Portsmouth Initiative Connects 300 Students Through Historic HMS Vi...
12/12/2025 — Portsmouth · 2 min read
Portsmouth has seen the successful launch of an educational initiative that connects 300 students across the city with the rich maritime heritage of the HMS Victory. This programme, which kicked off in December 2025, is designed to foster a deeper understanding of naval history through interactive tours and learning sessions onboard the historic ship. The programme is organised by the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in collaboration with local schools, aiming to engage students aged 10 to 14 in hands-on learning experiences that bring history to life.
The HMS Victory, renowned for its role in the Battle of Trafalgar, serves as the focal point for this educational effort. Over the next six months, participating students will attend weekly sessions that include guided tours, historical reenactments, and educational workshops. The programme's resource value is estimated at £50,000, covering operational costs, educational materials, and transportation for students from various parts of the city to the dockyard.
Programme Details
The HMS Victory education initiative involves a structured series of activities designed to immerse students in naval history and maritime affairs. Each participating school is allotted specific days to visit the ship, ensuring a personalised and engaging experience for all involved. The programme includes interactive sessions led by trained historians and educators, who provide students with insights into life aboard a naval ship, the significance of the Battle of Trafalgar, and the ship's preservation efforts.
Educators can contact the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for more information about scheduling visits and participating in the programme. Interested parties should email education@historicdockyard.co.uk or call 023 9283 9766. One participant, Sarah, a Year 6 student from St. John’s Primary School, stated, "Before this programme, I only read about ships in books. Now I can see and touch history." This quote underscores the programme's impact in making history tangible for young learners.
Measurable Outcomes
The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will conduct evaluations of the programme’s effectiveness through pre- and post-programme surveys. These surveys aim to measure increases in historical knowledge, engagement levels, and students' interest in maritime careers. Initial feedback from teachers indicates a 70% rise in student engagement with history-related subjects following the visits.
The programme will run until June 2026, with an option to extend based on the success and feedback received. The initiative has already sparked interest from other local educational institutions, suggesting potential expansion to include more students and schools in the future. The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is committed to providing a valuable educational experience and hopes to make the HMS Victory programme a recurring offering.
In conclusion, this innovative programme is expected to significantly enrich the educational landscape in Portsmouth, providing students with a unique opportunity to explore the city's naval history firsthand. Schools interested in joining the programme for the next academic year are encouraged to apply by 31 March 2026. Story inspired by reporting from The Guardian.